Category Archives: Style

The first big award show is behind us so you know what that means – fashion criticism by the gallon. Skim through these looks from last night’s Golden Globes then click on the links to find celebrity approved looks and hot new styles to add to your closet!

Kate Hudson – Versace – Arguably one of the best of the night, Kate Hudson nailed this white hot look with its exquisite fit and flawless styling. The plunging neckline would suggest an excellent place for a necklace but Kate intelligently forwent one and allowed the crystal embroidery at the sides to provide a comparable effect. A few more diamond baubles, a white clutch, and low chignon finished this gorgeous look.

Emily Blunt – Michael Kors – Many stars attempt the Greek Goddess look hoping to create an ethereal effect while still trying to inject their personal style into this award season standard. Emily wowed in a criss-cross bodice dress permitting peeks of skin at the shoulders and beneath the bust. Diamond and aquamarine sparklers added a hint of color and complimented the blue eyed beauty’s natural make-up.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus – Narciso Rodriguez – Julia often chooses the Cuban-American’s streamlined designs and this flattering white number with an embellished bodice couldn’t be a better fit. Albeit a simple cut, the VEEP actress was practically glowing with her smoky eyes, relaxed hair, and gorgeous drop earrings.

Salma Hayek – Alexander McQueen – White brocade with a silver chrome belt? Feather shaped diamond earrings and a floral hair clip? A bejeweled clutch and massive diamond pieces covering her hand? Salma oddly managed to pull this uber-accessorized look off though, perhaps, would have benefited from removing an addition or two to lighten the overall feel of this red carpet offering. Not bad at all, but not great.

Kristen Wiig – Delphine Manivet – Her cute bob and fresh makeup couldn’t save the comedienne from this bland look. The off-the-shoulder element is spot on but the textile looks like a tablecloth and the uninspired accessories further deflate any effort the actress made to appear pretty and polished. Perhaps a swept back hair do, bold statement earrings, and a colored lip would have elevated this poor dress to something higher than ho hum resort-wear.

Rosamund Pike – Vera Wang Collection – Do we give the British actress a pass on the strange fit of the bust since she recently gave birth to her second child a month ago? Had her chest been properly contained her beautiful, strappy back Vera Wang dress could have been a stunner. At least her hair and makeup looked splendid.

Sienna Miller – Miu Miu – Ever the bohemian, the British beauty opted for a creamy look adorned with floral appliques and embroidery. She kept her look unfussy, yet feminine with a few diamond bracelets, chandelier earrings, a champagne satin clutch, natural makeup, and an expertly mussed bob.

Jemima Kirke – Rosie Assoulin – A silvery crop top featuring a cape-like construction paired with a crisp white floor length skirt is not what we’ve come to expect from the British “Girls” actress. Her well styled ensemble could have benefited from either a bit of steaming or a touch more tailoring at the waist but otherwise, Jemima was a pleasant surprise. Her midi rings, shimmering stud earrings, and smoldering dark eye finished the look nicely.

Tina Fey – Antonio Berardi – We expected more from you Tina. Black & white is a classic combo and the beaded embellishments are a nice touch but the odd horizontal seam at the wide hem and unfortunately cropped cut ruin this dress. At least her black and white on-stage looks were better – especially her lady tux.

Keira Knightley – Chanel – She may be pregnant but we can’t abide by this terrible dress. The butterflies and feathers are an interesting pattern but that awful lace bib and matching tiered hemline affirm this piece as an utter frump-fest. From the neck up and wrists down she looks lovely though…

Amy Adams – Versace – Would you have guessed that this icy slate blue dress was from one of the gutsiest designers in the business? Yea, neither did we. The color is quite beautiful against the actress’s complexion but the silhouette and styling are too familiar and too standard for us to get behind this dull look.

Amy Poehler – Stella McCartney / Natasha Lyonne – Reem Acra – Much like her co-host, Amy’s worst dress was the one she wore during the arrivals portion of the evening. The bright cobalt color did little to relieve the drab look of this piece. Natasha’s dress was a scotch too tight and her face could have used a bit more color to balance her pale complexion against the strong hue.

Katherine Heigl – Zac Posen – Making a wonderful return to the red carpet after a long hiatus, Katherine was the epitome of understated glamor in a rich navy Zac Posen design sporting his signature construction skills throughout. Soft side swept curls, natural makeup, coordinating drop earrings, and a smattering of art deco diamond jewels upped her Old Hollywood lean.

Claire Danes – Valentino Couture – Infuriating. She owns a unique beauty, she’s intelligent & well spoken, an excellent actress, and is the star of a hit show. There is no excuse to leave your house in a poorly fitting piece of couture and sad hair. The colors are not altogether a bad choice but the terrible fit at the bust and that depressing hair-do negate whatever wonder she could have conjured in this uniquely embellished dress.

Zosia Mamet – Andrew Gn – There’s something amok with Zosia’s bustier corset top dress. Maybe the colors are too similar to be paired together. Perhaps her indecisive hair color is throwing us off. Could it be the lukewarm styling? It’s all of the above that makes this boring dress both odd and forgettable.

Camila Alves – Monique Lhuillier – The hair is too light, the dress is too simple, the makeup is too tame, and the styling is positively boring. We know she can do better.

Anna Kendrick – Monique Lhuillier – Perfect. Anna’s blush tinted tulle gown lit up the Golden Globes red carpet with deep pink rectangular sequins catching the light in the most beautiful way and a thin matching belt nipping her in at the waist for a flattering shape. A few diamond rings and glittering pink drop earrings were a superb compliment to her clean hair and makeup. Definitely one of the night’s best.

Maggie Gyllenhaal – Miu Miu – Her pixie cut looks great and her makeup is pretty good but that wilted bust is doing Maggie no favors. A statement necklace or pair of spectacular earrings would have certainly enlivened this dreary look.

Kerry Washington – Mary Katrantzou – The flattened bust and awkward side panels keep this dress from being one of Kerry’s better looks but the luminescent fabric and unexpected color are breathtaking against her skin. The shoes are confusing but her hair and makeup are to die for.

Lupita Nyong’o – Giambattista Valli Haute Couture – After her tour de force during last year’s award season, Lupita is back in top form with her purple printed gown and, as always, enviable makeup job. The blossom covered bodice fluttered when she walked while the rest of the dress created an airy effect fitting for the effervescent actress.

Katie Holmes – Marchesa – You would think Marchesa would turn out a piece worthy of an awards show and not one that might be confused with a bridesmaid’s dress. Alas, that was not the case here. Katie’s unnaturally long side pony tail and uninspired styling, which included neither a necklace nor earrings , was one of the biggest letdowns of the evening.

Reese Witherspoon – Calvin Klein Collection – She’s a beautiful woman in a beautiful dress but no new ground was broken here. For all the hype surrounding “Wild”, a punchier look seemed necessary but she served up classic Reese which is nothing short of well done.

Jennifer Lopez – Zuhair Murad – She might be the only person in the world who could convincingly wear a caped dress featuring a plunging neckline, completely beaded overlay, and thigh high front slit while adding even more visual stimulation via those huge chandelier earrings, over-highlighted pouffy hair, metallic manicure, and crystal encrusted clutch. If more really is more, then J.Lo wins.

Uzo Aduba – Randi Rahm – Orange may be the new black but Uzo has us thinking that a subtly multi-colored metallic might actually be the new black. The form fitting halter style dress looks wonderful on her while that deep bordeaux pout picks up the faint hints of burgundy in this beautiful piece. She’s been hitting a lot high notes lately so we’re excited to see where her style goes!

Dakota Johnson – Chanel – Does silver count as one of the 50 Shades of Gray? Regardless – Dakota surprised us with her strapless sequined choice with its open front hem featuring a uniquely frayed edge. Other than her fun cocktail ring, she steered clear of any other big jewels relying instead on her cascading chestnut waves, mauve pink lip, lightly lined eyes, and silver chrome accessories to provide the finishing touches. Indeed an excellent effort from a newbie.

Julianna Moore – Custom Givenchy – Finally! An A-list celebrity who wasn’t afraid to demand your attention! Julianne blew away the competition with her custom made silver sequin dress in an ombré pattern accented with a playful feathery hemline in tonal grays and black. Her lightly waved hair was parted deeply on the side while a smattering of diamonds and a smoky eye completed this dramatic look. Without a doubt, one of the night’s top looks.

Emma Stone – Lanvin – Not your standard beauty so she would never wear a standard dress. Emma brought her A-game with this refreshing jumpsuit featuring a high shine embellished bodice, waist sash tied into a floppy bow at her side, and well tailored black pants. Her wavy red chop, deep pink pout, and heavily smoked eyes were the only things she needed to establish herself as one of the most daring and put together starlets at this event.

Patricia Arquette – Custom Escada – Yes, it’s a little wrinkled but the bust & flourish at the shoulder are well crafted and her gold accessories play up her blonde hair while contrasting nicely with her black dress and red lip. Not bad, Patricia.

Melissa McCarthy – Own Design – Showing off her newly slimmed bod, Melissa was all smiles at the Golden Globes in a dress of her own creation featuring a black & white palette and tiered skirt. Her dark red lip matched her peep toe heels and the necktie was a quirky finish to this somewhat dowdy look. It’s not our favorite but she looks pretty darn cute!

Jennifer Aniston – Saint Laurent – We know it’s black but you’ve got to give credit where credit’s due; Jen looks great. The cummerbund waist contrasts the shiny bust of this halter style dress while the slitted matte skirt allows for a tasteful peek of her leg. Her slicked back tresses were knotted into a large bun setting the stage for her bold black & gold earrings. It’s fairly standard for her but it feels updated so we can’t complain.

Amal Alamuddin Clooney – Dior Haute Couture – There with her husband who was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, Amal selected a black Dior number with a sash trailing from the shoulder and injected her personal style into the look via jaw-dropping chandelier earrings, white gloves, and a matching clutch. The hair needed to be off her shoulders to show off the only detail that makes this dress slightly interesting and had the gloves not been so large on her, perhaps they might have enhanced the overall regal effect she seems to be going for. Not our cup of tea.

Lorde – Narciso Rodriguez – Now this is cool. This stylish Kiwi shocked us with how polished she looked last night! Lorde’s crop top, high waisted pants, and boyish blazer provided the ideal backdrop for that unbelievable diamond collar and generous dose of sparkling rings. A deeply parted low ponytail, subtle smoky eye, and rich red lip finished off her well curated ensemble.

Kate Mara – Miu Miu – The “House of Cards” actress disappointed this time around wearing a boring red dress with an unwelcome nude belt. Unnecessary ruffles at the front, straps of a strange width, and generally lackluster styling leave us wanting so much more from Kate. Don’t she and Rooney share the same genetic material? Where’s the risk? Where’s the fun?

Lena Dunham – Zac Posen – Dressing up for red carpet events is not Lena’s strong suit but we were relieved to see she didn’t arrive looking like a hot mess. Back to her original brunette locks, the “Girls” actress showed off an artfully smudged smoky eye and stylish red lip which complimented her crimson dress. The thoughtful seams, flattering hemline, and funky matching pumps blended her quirky style with the level of glamor expected at the Golden Globes. Pearly baubles completed the look.

Allison Williams – Armani Privé – Stunning in color and construction, this dress is something to behold. Allison certainly came to play last night but her severe hair and makeup competed with the dress’s inherent drama. With a little bit of tweaking this could have been red carpet perfection.

Jessica Lange – J. Mendel – A structured silhouette in raspberry red brought out the wink in Jessica’s eye while her earth tone makeup and softly curled hair ensured an effortless feel. A thin black band at her waist accentuated her feminine figure.

Taylor Schilling – Custom Ralph Lauren – Brilliant. This modern yet timeless dress found an ideal wearer in Taylor with her classic good looks and chic styling consisting of a sleek up do, barely there makeup save for a red lip, cocktail ring, and matching satin clutch. She can check her lady-in-red moment off the list!

Helen Mirren – Dolce & Gabbana – Best Accessory goes to Helen who, in an homage to the victims of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris last week, donned a pin with a fountain pen. Her cherry red gown from Dolce & Gabbana featured an elegantly cutout neckline with sparkling gem embellishments around it. Large teardrop earrings and a matching clutch finished her dazzling look.

Heidi Klum – Atelier Versace – Bright, tight, and a little much is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Heidi’s red carpet selections and last night’s was no different. Her hair looks great as does her makeup but we’d like to see the “Project Runway” host experiment a little and attempt a more contemporary mode of dress.

Viola Davis – Donna Karan Atelier – Certainly one of the top picks of the night, Viola delighted in this juicy red strapless dress featuring tonal and silver embellishments down the sides of the bust. With her short soft curls, gorgeous makeup, and simple accessories, the actress was an example of modern day glamor!

YELLOW:

Naomi Watts – Gucci – The Aussie stunner showed up with husband Liev Schreiber and couldn’t have looked more radiant. Gracefully folded pleats at the bust and an embellished belt at the waist on this sunny yellow gown helped Naomi stand apart in a sea of red, black, white, and metallic dresses. A heavenly Bulgari snake necklace and bright red lip completed her exquisite red carper turn.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum - Carolina Herrera – Light yellow was an unexpected choice for a January red carpet but Jenna looked every part the pastel princess in this frothy Carolina Herrera creation. Her shiny dark waves, large cluster earrings, and metallic clutch were the only things she needed to finish her clean styling. With Channing as your arm candy though, how bad can you actually look?

Leslie Mann – Kaufmanfranco – Judd Apatow’s lovely wife also wore sunshine yellow to the Golden Globes showing off her lean figure and creating an overall statuesque effect. Her ombré hair was swept to one side while her bright red pout, green teardrop earrings, an matching box clutch added a few more hints of color to Leslie’s dreamy look.

Last night’s People’s Choice Awards marked the beginning of award season, whetting our appetite for the forthcoming red carpet dances, so it’s time to let the beaded embellishments, diaphanous silks, and swirling colors wash over us. Skim through the looks and click on the links to browse through & shop some celeb inspired looks!

WELL SUITED – Melissa McCarthy & Ariel Winter

Melissa McCarthy donned a navy suit of her own design accented with vertical black leather insets; colors which played up her creamy complexion and juicy red lip. Thick strap heels and a streamlined clutch finished her coordinated look.

Ariel Winter went for a long Smythe blazer styled as a dress, furnished with nothing more than simple black ankle strap sandals, minimal jewelry, and a whisper of color provided by her blue eyeshadow.

Sarah Hyland sparkled in a Christian Siriano creation which she allowed to take center stage by keeping her accessories minimal in design, her neck & wrists bare, and her blown out hair down & parted.

Allison Janney, who co-hosted the event with her co-star Anna, dazzled in a low cut Ran Zakhem gown covered in silver sequins. Bouncy waves and a couple of matching accessories completed her head-turning look.

Beth Behrs brought old Hollywood glamor back to the red carpet with her lovely royal blue halter dress from Juan Carlos Obando highlighted by gold accessories and a matte fuchsia lip.

Kristen Bell was positively glowing after having given birth just 3 weeks ago to her second daughter, Delta. Perhaps as a shout out to her new little lady, she wore a bright pink Monique Lhuillier dress featuring pointed tulle tiers and a flared silhouette. Silver mirror stilettos made for a delightful finishing touch.

Ellen DeGeneres sported a creamy white suit of her own design made complete by a Saint Laurent button down, white lace-ups, and her signature pixie cut.

Not one to blend into the background, Portia De Rossi wore a bold cobalt Zuhair Murad jumpsuit with sheer panels throughout the bust creating a beautiful geometric effect. Her contemporary styling included a deeply parted, wavy hair do and nude patent pumps.

Stana Katic was breathtaking in a flower dotted Carolina Herrera confection with her swept back tresses and strong red lip perfectly complimenting her look.

Katharine McPhee showed off her enviable figure in a body-con dress from Balmain featuring a wrap around halter neck and cutouts at the bust. Her strappy heels, slicked back hairstyle, and dark red pout were thoughtful additions to this striking piece.

Kat Dennings was all about dark romanticism in her lacy Ludmila Corlateanu dress featuring a sheer yoke and peek-a-boo front hem putting her lace-up high heel sandals on display. Soft curls and a wine-stained lip finished her come hither offering.

Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting opted for a unique and sporty Peggy Hartanto cropped jumpsuit, made even more interesting by a double-V neckline and cutouts at the side.

With similar upbringings in the spotlight and identical aspirations to become successful models, these girls are navigating the waters of the fashion world like pros.

The value of denim lies in its versatility and who better to show you that than girls that get dressed up for a living? Kendall is serving up an easy, yet edgy look by pairing her jeans with a split-neck tee and sleek leather jacket. Minnie Mouse ears optional. Gigi walks the path less traveled by topping her pair off with a generously undone, contrasting denim button down, long gold chain necklace, and surprising gold glitter booties!

The American Music Awards were in town and with the show came a slew of celebs in some head-turning fashion. Lots of solid colored pieces, bold cutouts, and geometric designs were among the red carpet offerings last night. Take a look and judge away!

Lucy Hale: This black Vera Wang mini dress with tonal black embroidery and other embellishments owned a dark modern aesthetic with a girlish lean. The actress and country singer injected more of her own personality into the style with her bordeaux lip, dark mani, smattering of silver & gunmetal jewels, and matching black accessories.

Jennifer Lopez: Her silky nude Reem Acra dress unsurprisingly left little to the imagination. Shamelessly sexy has been her go-to red carpet style for a long time and, while a bit tired at this point, the style certainly suits her. Anyone else getting a slight flashback to that navel-low cleavage bearing Versace dress from 2000?

Selena Gomez: A backless black Armani Privé gown skimmed over the songstress’s body providing a sophisticated elegance we don’t regularly associate with her style. Heavy gold jewelry added just the right amount of drama to finish this fantastic look.

Kate Beckinsale: Splendid in a white KaufmanFranco confection, the actress looked fresh and glamorous in her plunging neckline gown which also featured cutouts at the sides. Smoky eyes and a nude lip enhanced the contemporary feel of her dress while a breathtaking Bulgari snake necklace was a superlative finishing touch.

Julianne Hough: A coral Zuhair Murad piece catapulted the dancer, actress, and country singer onto the best dressed list with its beaded pattern on a sheer panel for a dazzling necklace-like effect. Gold accessories and a simple slicked back ‘do perfectly finished this fiery look.

Rita Ora: Bright and bold was the tone set by the British singer’s lemony yellow Zac Posen dress. Whether the dress was in need of steaming or the seaming was too abundant we cannot know, but there’s no denying that the color looks beautiful against her skin. A sculptural top knot, hint of yellow eye shadow, and trendy jewelry additions made this gown somewhat more appropriate for the setting than it was.

Fergie: A black Halston Heritage halter style dress with gold plate details and a thigh high slit brought out a seemingly new side of the singer’s style. She stunned in a more subtle way than she normally does without skipping a beat in her usual edge by way of strappy heels, loads of rings, and her signature talons.

Dianna Agron: Dark and romantic in a Marchesa cocktail dress, the Glee star’s textured black look featured an asymmetrical neckline with a subtle A-line skirt. Her mussed up hair was tamed by edgy black layered headbands while pewter tone jewels completed her mesmerizing take on red carpet style.

Elizabeth Banks: The actress’s affinity for prints was put on display in her Peter Pilotto dress which featured pops of pink and orange punctuated by a metallic lace textile for a brilliant combination of color and texture. Her covetable earring and impressive full finger ring added the requisite edge we’ve come to expect from the woman who plays Effie Trinket, while her amazing shoes rang a perfect final note.

Nicki Minaj: The rapper and singer brought some serious attitude to the event with her fit-and-flare Alexander Wang dress which featured a turtleneck cut, micro pleating, leather details, and gutsy cutouts. Her sleek lob, oversized silver baubles, and simple black pumps complimented her toned down and very welcome look.

Karlie Kloss & Taylor Swift: These two tall beauties looked more like sisters than besties with their mid-riff baring ensembles, wavy blond tresses, and subtly smoldering gazes. The striking model donned a two-piece Pamella Roland look in a metallic jacquard while her singing counterpart opted for a custom Michael Kors creation in a pretty shamrock green.

Kendall was the example of effortless beauty in a sheer monochromatic eyelet look from Yigal Azrouël finished off with a sleek center parted blow-out and minimal accessories.

Khloe rocked a Versus Versace mini dress with an asymmetrical hem and gold embellishment. Her ombre locks were nicely waved and enhanced her alluring smoky brown eye makeup while a heavy dose of metallic jewelry added to the dress’s understated edge. Bright orange nails were a fun final flourish.

Kylie unfortunately didn’t echo her sisters’ put togetherness, instead choosing a beautifully draped Alexandre Vauthier Couture gown which felt more boudoir than awards show. Her clashing shoes and shoulder strap baguette were distracting yet her jewelry did seem to compliment the dress’s relaxed silhouette. The final question mark came courtesy of her messily pinned back, teal tipped locks making her look as though she’d rolled out of bed and into someone else’s dress. The makeup was the only thing that was well matched to her overall look – even though those lips are outta control.

Loved by everyone from teenage girls and young adults to models and actresses everywhere, Los Angeles based fashion brand Wildfox is known for its charming knitwear. One of their better known designs is their Seeing Stars Loose Knit Sweater and can be found keeping a ton of celebrities cozy & casual:

Celebs Are Seeing Stars

Covered in a charming celestial print, this coolly distressed sweater comes in two colors and can be worn throughout the year over cutoff shorts and sandals or skinny denim and booties. And while we’re on the subject of Wildfox’s singular style, browse through this brand’s sunglasses which tend to have a retro feel full of feminine appeal and delightful details like dainty stars and heart shaped cases.

If you’re a true constellation enthusiast, check out these other star-themed pieces:

With the changing of the leaves and the dropping of temperatures comes our anticipation for the holidays. A time of enchantment during which family and friends get together to partake in the joy of wining, dining, and getting decked out for a memorable photo op, all framed by twinkling lights, candles, and the colorful flotsam and jetsam of shredded wrapping paper.

We know that another hugely appealing part of this time of year is picking out the looks for every variety of holiday gathering that you’ll be attending. Our creative team got just as excited preparing for the photo-shoot that morphed into our 2014 Holiday Look Book, so they wanted to share some of their personal behind-the-scenes shots with you!

So there you have it. Our graphic designer Sean, much like the rest of the SINGER22 staff, is a jack of all trades including photography, as evidenced by these great shots! Start spreading the holiday spirit and lose yourself in the gorgeous looks we’ve curated just for you!

ALEXIS brand clothing is the eponymous line of mother/daughter duo, Ana & Alexis Barbara. These local Miami designers did not study fashion and so derive their understanding of pattern making through the processes of design and production, both of which are carried out in the US, maximizing their artistic control of their vision for the ALEXIS aesthetic.

This covetable line came about after Alexis took a seminal family trip to the Mediterranean and designed 15 pieces just for the excursion during which she received endless compliments. After numerous inquiries regarding where to purchase more pieces, Alexis knew she was on to something and debuted her first collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in 2008. She and her mother have been expanding the brand ever since.

Perhaps due to the fact that these women did not formally study fashion and hence learn from experience, their clothing retains a similar quality in that you need to don the clothing in order to truly feel its magic. The flattering shapes tend to be body-skimming while the textiles are often monochromatic and full of texture with fringe or lace. Always feminine but never saccharine, this brand undoubtedly touches upon those things that women most wish to emulate; exquisite style and refined modernity.

Worn by the likes of Taylor Swift, Ashley Tisdale, and the Kardashians, ALEXIS is the brand you need for projecting a contemporary elegance. As Ana Barbara puts it: “The ideal customer is a young woman who likes to feel beautiful at all times. She doesn’t just want to feel glamorous at night or at an event. She wants to look it wherever she goes.”

Browse and shop our selection of this must-have clothing line here: ALEXIS

For a long time sunglasses have been a high impact accessory glamorized by every famous figure from timelessly chic Jackie O to wildly unpredictable Lady Gaga. The great thing about them is that you can easily add a fresh note to your look in a noticeable way. With an overwhelming variety of styles to choose from how can you possibly pick just one? Here are a couple of our favorites:

QUAY: This Australian brand is actually pronounced like “key” and offers up funky and colorful designs at a surprisingly affordable price. They’ve become a cult favorite brand among plenty of celebs stateside like Shay Mitchell and Alessandra Ambrosio.

SUPER: Completely handmade in Italy, this brand is known for its clean lines and classic design references. Gold plated accents on the temples and interesting color combinations make this name in eyewear a go-to for a variety of stars from Rihanna to Lady Gaga.

RAY-BAN: This is the undeniably all-American sunglasses brand that will never go out of style. With a contemporary color palette anchored by traditional shaped frames, rest assured that if you buy a pair you’ll wear them for life. Between the entire Kardashian Krew, Beyonce, Nicole Richie, and Selena Gomez we can barely find a celebrity that doesn’t own at least one pair!

ITALIA INDEPENDENT: Palatably European in design, this brand’s sporty, innovative, and often brightly colored sunglasses offer a fun take on protective eyewear. Their velvet finished and studded frames feel completely new and a bit cheeky, traits which have made loyal fans of stars like Sophia Bush and Jessica Alba.

WILDFOX SUN: This line of sunglasses is as playful, sunny, and statement-making as its hometown of Los Angeles. Retro shapes in modern tones make this brand an unsurprising staple of many a celeb’s accessory collection, including Vanessa Hudgens‘ and Ashlee Simpson‘s.

If you’re looking for a quick, easy way to update your style then head here to check out our impressive selection of sunglasses. And if you need a real excuse to justify that purchase, they protect your eyes from sun damage and your skin from prematurely wrinkling. Hey, it’s health-related – can’t argue with that!

Ah Rosie – She’s gorgeous, has an amazing modeling career, successfully broke into film, and is now the new face of Paige Premium Denim!

Rosie & Blue

This new ambassador/brand matchup might not seem like the most obvious one but it should be known that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley‘s first modeling gig was for Levi’s jeans. You can’t get any truer or bluer than Levi’s, and so it was in a denim classic that the British beauty made her introduction to the fashion world. As she slowly gained notoriety she caught the attention of the big-wigs at Burberry and it was courtesy of them that she got her career-launching break as the new face of their fall line in 2008.

Now we move from the model to the designer; Paige Denim is the namesake line of designer Paige Adams-Geller, who herself started working as a model before endeavoring to create one of our favorite denim brands. As the founder and creative director, Adams-Geller strives to produce pieces you’ll wear from “morning to moonlight” and that will add a confidence to your stride… even if you’re not a 5’9″ super model.

A lot of ladies claim that if stranded on a desert island and they had to pick but one cosmetic to have, mascara would be their beauty product of choice in order to maintain any semblance of looking cute upon their rescue.

Maybe I can MacGyver this mascara wand into a rescue signal…

Lashes have certainly benefited from recent technological advancements in beauty products and what was once reserved for costume dressing and super special occasions is now frequently incorporated into daily routines and regular maintenance. Between vibrating wands, mace shaped brushes (that’s the medieval weapon that looks like a spike-covered club… next to your eyeball), false lashes becoming more common than ever, and lash extensions being done as often as highlights, we have no excuse now for lackluster lashes.

In the same way that styling is partially an experiment, so is makeup application; trying a cream blush instead of a powder one, attempting to use liquid liner through endless trials and errors to perfect your cat-eye, picking out a new lip stain in a color you wouldn’t normally wear, etc… Well kids, it’s time for another experiment. Step away from your black and brown mascaras and pick up one in an unexpected subtle jewel-tone or a high impact bright. You’ll get the eye-opening effect you want but it’ll look fresh and fun! Take a look at these stars who’ve given the trend a go and reaped the stylish benefits:

Today you can find mascara in every color under the sun from quiet tints to loud neons so head to your favorite store or site to stock up on beauty products, add a teal green or moody navy mascara to your basket, and start experimenting!

While many of us enjoy the routine we have every morning of washing, brushing, coiffing, painting, and dressing, we can certainly agree that the less time we spend primping the better. Enter the maxi dress.

Once you pick your style – solid or print / strapless or racerback / fitted or loose / minimal or bohemian / casual or dressy – all you have left to do is accessorize. Take Ms. Alba for example; she determined that she felt like adding a bit of edge to her daytime stroll and decided to take her graphic black & white printed dress into rocker territory with a cropped leather vest replete with silver hardware, a detail echoed in her modern jewelry.

Too much? Then take Minka Kelly’s approach with a simple black empire waist maxi that shows off your decolletage and a hint of leg through a sheer skirt. Comfortable black ballet flats, aviators, and understated jewelry keep the look pared down yet put together.

Ashley ventures well into the land of the bohemian with a tribal print, wide brim hat, and gladiator sandals. Easy, comfortable, & cute.

The ever fashionable Ms. Beckinsale also went for a strapless printed number but enhanced her ensemble with a dash of Rodeo Drive via her impressively large leather bag and gold statement jewelry.

So do you need more celeb references or can we start shopping? No? Dandy!

We’ve got a great assortment of maxi dresses and skirts that’ll suit your on-the-go lifestyle without sacrificing that which we all strive for – checking ourselves out in a full-length mirror and saying “Not too shabby.”

Maxi dresses retain the desirable quality of being both supremely easy to wear and transitioning seamlessly from day to night. Here are two of our favorite styles: Feel The Piece’s Trudy dress comes in a rich, moody, navy color with an intriguing ombré detail at the top and a modern racerback. Metallic jewels leap off of the dark background providing you an excellent canvas for experimentation with accessories. Joie’s Ruma maxi dress comes in a bright, but earthy ikat print influenced by Middle Eastern and Asian textiles. Setting off your tan perfectly, the varying oranges and browns look beautiful with gold chains and leather cuffs yielding a down-to-earth bohemian vibe.

Now, for your consideration I bring you maxi dresses that double as evening-wear for the laid back girl who’s got places to go and people to stun. These three dresses can be worn to any number of warm weather fêtes like destination weddings and rooftop cocktail parties. Each one of them has a fun detail or two like interesting straps, ornaments, or multi-way ties. These pieces blend elegance and a low key attitude for a look that’s fresh, venue-appropriate, and infused with a composed ease.

And to wrap this dress-fest up – we’ll throw in a maxi skirt that begs for a fitted cropped top. Pick up this Donna Mizani maxi circle skirt in black, white, or both! Wear it during the day with a simple tee or tank but don’t count it out for night time shindigs. A carved shoulder crop top complements this skirt in the most modern way and is a surprisingly chic choice for dressier occasions.

To quote Lorde, “we’ll never be royals” but that doesn’t mean we can’t be inspired by their smart styling and timeless looks. The women of royal families are incessantly photographed and held to standards that eclipse those assigned to run-of-the-mill celebrities. Appearing presentable doesn’t suffice for a princess, queen, duchess, etc… With such titles one must forever strive to be the ultimate example of propriety, composure, and grace with the objective being to encourage national pride, participate in charitable efforts, and maintain international support; political tasks that the likes of Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez, and the Kardashian Kollective are exempt from.

Fashion Forward Royals

Leading by example is no revolutionary concept, however women of royal standing own a power to do so that has nothing to do with social niceties or perfect posture. The very choices they make as to which top to pair with which skirt, which designer(s) they favor, how to style their hair, and how to apply their makeup all convene to project an image painstakingly cropped and manicured for the purpose of presentation and hopeful influence. This opportunity presented itself on June 19th, 2014 to the newly crowned Letizia, Princess of Asturias – the Queen Consort of Spain. Now that she will be under more scrutiny than ever she has a chance to invigorate her country’s drowsy economy through her fashion choices. Many British royals don homegrown labels like Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, and L.K. Bennett – an example the stylish Spanish queen may very well follow.

Well-Dressed: Letizia, Princess of Asturias. Queen Consort of Spain.

For those of you that paid attention to Kate Middleton’s transformation into the Duchess of Cambridge you might recall that after repeatedly wearing specific items like nude colored pantyhose, L.K. Bennett patent leather heels, and form flattering Issa dresses, not only did everyone in the United Kingdom (and many fans abroad) start mimicking her, but many of those styles sold out! What’s more, with the international economy being rocked by instigators like the Eurozone crisis, The Duchess has continually opted for looks that combine high & low fashion like a Roland Mouret gown with a ZARA necklace, grounding her style in a reality we can actually touch and own. A true royal of the people, Kate is also known to wear plenty of jeans, often by J Brand, Paige, and Goldsign, for both on-duty and off-duty appearances.

The Duchess of Cambridge at the Royal Film Performance of “Mandela: Walk to Freedom” – ROLAND MOURET dress & ZARA necklace

Perhaps you don’t readily equate SINGER22 to royal-ready fashion but you’ll be surprised at the number of pieces we have in stock that are tasteful, chic, and perfectly suited for anyone hoping to exude a bit of Kate or Letizia’s classic flair.

If you could own a garment that had an ease about it, that owned an attractive androgynous quality, disregarded trends, transcended time in its ever-classic yet ever-modern aesthetic, and could be worn in a variety of settings, would you buy it?

Let me answer that for you; first with a series of pictures and then we’ll really dig in.

The denim shirt is an example of a staple piece that belongs in your closet for its versatility and its inherent coolness which, if your style is laid-back-leaning, further enhances the carefree quality in your mode of dress.

Model, Lily Donaldson deploys the denim button down as a light layer over a basic top, skinny jeans, and short suede boots resulting in a sort of modern beatnik look made complete with simple metallic jewelry and a pork pie hat. Actress, Ashley Madekwe takes a more feminine approach to this reinvigorated trend by tucking it into a pleated skirt and accessorizing with a skinny belt, peep toe Mary Jane wedges, and an expertly curated stack of bracelets on each wrist. Socialite and fashion guru, Olivia Palermo dons a great rendition of the Canadian Tuxedo. From top to bottom she’s a vision in denim with medium wash, skinny, distressed jeans and a lighter colored button down which coordinates beautifully with her fun blue mirror lens shades. The neon lime camo-printed loafers are an unexpected yet totally awesome addition which clearly elevate this denim-on-denim style somewhere way up high into the fashion stratosphere.

What’s great about this particular top is that us mere mortals have easy access to it and that it’s as practical as a blazer, trench coat, or chic pair of flats. Plus, a denim shirt can take you nearly anywhere you want to go in the sense that it’ll morph to suit your look without you having to force it.

Preppy: Add it to a pair of chino shorts and accessorize with ballet flats, a skinny patent leather belt in a bright color, and dainty jewelry for a dandy effect.

Borrowed From The Boys: When buttoned all the way up, sleeves cuffed, and worn with skinny black pants and brogues, the denim shirt can bring you into minimalist/menswear territory. Dare to go sans jewelry, other than studs and a watch perhaps, and you’ll be the example of understated cool.

Girlish & Flirty: Tuck the shirt into a lace, pleated, or printed skirt, then finish the look with neutral leather heeled sandals and bold earrings.

Retro Flair: Tie the shirt at your waist and pull on a pair of high waisted or wide leg pants. Furnish with wedges and an upturned collar.

We’re denim fanatics at SINGER22 and our favorite denim shirt of the ones we carry is this guy – Current/Elliott’s Perfect Shirt in Miner. Perfectly faded and accented with traditional brass tone buttons, this piece will breathe new life into the rest of your wardrobe tempting you to add it any which way you can to your next outfit.

When the temperature and humidity increase so do many of our hair woes. Uncontrollable frizzies in the front and matted nests in the back both contribute to a generally unkempt or deflated look that us girls try desperately to avoid. It’s safe to say that most of you know how to weave a standard braid but why not mix it up and add another facet to your look with new versions of this classic ‘do which will also tame your excitable hair? Draw some inspiration from the models’ style below and weave in a few colorful ribbons or pieces of yarn into your hair for an unexpected pop of color – plus it’ll add volume to your braid!

Streaked Fishtail Side Braids On The CALLA Spring 2014 Runway

The modern plait comes in a variety of patterns and is often unusually placed to engage our style senses in a new way. As of late the center braid seems to be having a moment and is commanding our attention with its many iterations and cool athletic quality. This all-the-way-down style works well with pin straight and slightly wavy hair textures.

It’s a super sized CORNROW!

Naya Rivera’s version below works for all kinds of hair and requires far less work but still looks great! Take a 1.5″ – 2″ section of hair at the center and french braid it until you get to the crown, then fasten it with an inconspicuous elastic.

Braids are also popping up in places that we don’t expect them to be like Jaime King’s coif which at first glance appears to be a plainly parted up-do, but then she turns and you get a peek at the elegant patterned bottom half of her hair. If you’re feeling brave give this style a go by making two small french braids below your temples and pinning the ends down by the nape of your neck. Twist and pin the rest of your hair away from your face and above the plaited section, leaving little wispy bits for an ethereal effect.

What about those tight side plaits that give the illusion of an undercut? Kristen Stewart and Cara Delevingne are repeat wearers of this awesome style which adds a rocker-chick dimension to your look without taking the Demi Lovato plunge and actually shaving your hair off. Neatly part and section off hair at the side of your head which will be where the braid or braids will be. Begin the french braid close to your hairline and follow the natural curve of your head then either fasten the woven part just after you pass your ear or continue braiding down until you get to the end resulting in a sort of cornrow. Let the rest of you hair flow freely for a gorgeously bohemian aesthetic.

Kristen Stewart & Cara Delevingne = Alternative & Braided

Another classic style that you can fuse with the braid is the ponytail. Take a gander at these great plaits which are actually easier to execute than you think. The model at the left has a low slicked back ponytail which was woven into a neat fishtail. Cara Delevingne’s style in the middle is just three french braids; two smaller ones at the sides and a larger middle one, braided again at the nape of the neck creating a feast of textures fit for a day at the beach or a warm night out. Cheryl Cole’s elegant version on the right Is a very loosely woven french braid punctuated by thin black ribbons you can buy at any craft store.

GREAT PLAITED PONIES

Don’t be scared to try your hand at these apparently complex styles and don’t forget that practice makes perfect. Even if you end up with pared down versions of these looks you can always add a pretty flower crown or fantastic hat to your braided ‘do.

For detailed instructions on how to achieve the center plait featured at the beginning of this post, click CENTER BRAID!

The FIFA World Cup begins tomorrow in the wildly vivid country of Brazil so it’s time to figure out which teams you’ll be rooting for. No matter which sports you follow, if you’re a real fanatic, getting dressed up is part of the fun, which guys aren’t excluded from might I add. Between the face & body paint, jerseys, tees, hats and other paraphernalia, a thick atmosphere of enthusiasm grows from the love people show for their favorite player, their heritage, or the team alongside which (through a television anyway) they’ve suffered through heart wrenching losses and celebrated sweet victories with.

Get ready for the ensuing festivities with these great tees and tanks from Chaser:

Another way to have a little fun with this theme is by wearing Havaianas, which hail from Brazil and are among the most popular flip flops in the world with approximately 150 million pairs being made every year! Colorful footwear doesn’t stop with these casual sandals. Supergas come in an impressive array of bright colors perfect for matching your team’s jersey or flag, and we all know that the shoes often make or break the outfit…